Construction started on the dam in 1930, just as the Great Depression was sweeping the nation. After pursuing a loan from FDR, construction restarted in 1936 and was finished in 1938. The dam's hydro power plant consists of three units that receive water from three different penstocks, located 865 feet upstream. From the overlook and further up you can see the power house below as well as an amazing view of the canyon that the Flathead River flows through. There is some great geology above that area.